The prevention of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced inflammation in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice by Jawoongo

The effects of Jawoongo soap on skin improvement

BACKGROUND

Jawoongo is used to treat and prevent skin issues such as dry and keratinization disorders, burns, trauma, pigmentation, scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 0.47% Jawoongo extract-containing soap (JAUN-CS) were assessed in terms of skin improvement effects such as cleansing, moisturizing, sebum secretion management, and skin elasticity enhancement.

METHODS

Twenty healthy adult men and women aged 20-60 years old took part in the study. Before and after using JAUN-CS, the participants were divided into groups, and various skin improvement effects were measured utilizing machines such as the Corneometer, Tewameter TM 300, and Visioscan. A dermatologist analyzed the product's safety in accordance with Frosch & Kligman and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) rules.

RESULTS

Using JAUN reduced the amount of base and point makeup by 25.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Also, JAUN showed a great facial exfoliation effect by removing the old and lifted skin keratins by 84.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Impurities in facial pores decreased by 58%, too. Furthermore, JAUN increased the moisture content of deep skin and skin surface by 3.5% and 74.0%, and skin elasticity by 2.8%. Skin tone, skin texture, skin radiance, and skin barrier all showed improvements of 3.3%, 20.0%, 15.0%, and 115.2%, respectively. Lastly, cleansing with JAUN successfully enhanced the condition of the youth triangle by 7.6%, while TEWL significantly decreased by 52.7%. Neither the JAUN nor the control group soap showed any adverse reactions, such as erythema or allergies, during the testing period.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that JAUN is safe for human use and has various skin-improving properties, making Jawoongo a promising natural material for the development of functional cosmetics in the future.

Erigeron annuus Extract Improves DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in a Mouse Model via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent inflammatory skin condition resulting from an intricate interplay among genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Erigeron annuus (EA), an annual winter plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, possesses anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antioxidant activities. In this study, we hypothesized that Erigeron annuus extract (EAE) could be an effective agent for ameliorating AD-like symptoms. To confirm this hypothesis in vitro, we used H2O2-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) to demonstrate that pre-treatment with EAE protected against oxidative stress. HaCaT cells pretreated with EAE and stimulated with H2O2 showed decreased intracellular malondialdehyde content, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. To verify the in vivo hypothesis based on the intracellular results, an AD disease mouse model was induced with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), and EAE was orally administered at a non-toxic concentration according to the toxicity evaluation results. The results showed that AD disease models in BALB/c mice exhibited reduced ear epidermal thickness, scratching behavior, and mast cell infiltration. In conclusion, our results indicate that EAE has the potential to improve AD by upregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway.

Pharmacological Effects of Shikonin and Its Potential in Skin Repair: A Review

Currently, skin injuries have a serious impact on people's lives and socio-economic stress. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone compound derived from the root of the traditional Chinese medicine Shikonin, has favorable biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and wound-healing-promoting pharmacological activities. It has been reported that Shikonin can be used for repairing skin diseases due to its wide range of pharmacological effects. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Shikonin can play a great role in food and can also reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in food. This paper summarizes the research on the pharmacological effects of Shikonin in recent years, as well as research on the mechanism of action of Shikonin in the treatment of certain skin diseases, to provide certain theoretical references for the clinical application of Shikonin, and also to provides research ideas for the investigation of the mechanism of action of Shikonin in other skin diseases.

Canine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate atopic dermatitis through regeneration and immunomodulation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising tool for treating immune disorders. However, the immunomodulatory effects of canine MSCs compared with other commercialized biologics for treating immune disorders have not been well studied. In this study we investigated the characteristics and immunomodulatory effects of canine amnion membrane (cAM)-MSCs. We examined gene expression of immune modulation and T lymphocytes from activated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation. As a result, we confirmed that cAM-MSCs upregulated immune modulation genes (TGF-β1, IDO1 and PTGES2) and suppressed the proliferation capacity of T cells. Moreover, we confirmed the therapeutic effect of cAM-MSCs compared with oclacitinib (OCL), the most commonly used Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, as a treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (AD) using a mouse AD model. As a result, we confirmed that cAM-MSCs with PBS treatment groups (passage 4, 6 and 8) compared with PBS only (PBS) though scores of dermatologic signs, tissue pathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. In particular, cAM-MSCs were more effective than OCL in the recovery of wound dysfunction, regulation of mast cell activity and expression level of immune modulation protein. Interestingly, subcutaneous injection of cAM-MSCs induced weight recovery, but oral administration of oclacitinib induced weight loss as a side effect. In conclusion, this study suggests that cAM-MSCs can be developed as a safe canine treatment for atopic dermatitis without side effects through effective regeneration and immunomodulation.

In vitro and in vivo exploration of the anti-atopic dermatitis mechanism of action of Tibetan medicine Qi-Sai-Er-Sang-Dang-Song decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tibetan medicine Qi-Sai-Er-Sang-Dang-Song Decoction(QSD, ཆུ་སེར་སེང་ལྡེང་སུམ་ཐང་།)is a traditional Tibetan medical formulation with demonstrated clinical benefits in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its potential mechanism and molecular targets remain to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the activity and mechanism of QSD on AD in multiple dimensions by combining in vitro and in vivo experiments with network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AD effect of QSD was investigated by evaluating the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AD-like skin lesions in female BALB/c mice were induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). QSD or dexamethasone (positive control) were gavagely administered daily for 15 consecutive days. The body weight and skin lesion severity were recorded throughout the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) analysis were used to illuminate the molecular targets associated with the anti-AD effects of QSD. Meanwhile, the ingredients of QSD in the blood were revealed and analyzed by Ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) method. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets and mechanism of active ingredient therapy for AD. In addition, the network pharmacology outcomes were further verified by molecular docking.

RESULT

After treatment with QSD, the levels of NO and IL-6 were decreased in the cell supernatant. Herein, QSD markedly decreased the eosinophil and mast cells infiltration in the dorsal skin of the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Moreover, QSD reconstructed the epidermal barrier by increasing the content of collagen fibers and changing the arrangement of DNCB-treated mice. QSD not only inhibited the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) but also inhibited phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) proteins in the dorsal skin. Four active ingredients were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, including (-)-epicatechin, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, cassiaside, and questin. After the network pharmacological analysis, six core targets of QSD closely related to AD were obtained, including TNF-α, IL-6, Caspase-3 (CASP3), Epidermal growth factor (EGFR), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1 (NTRK1). Meanwhile, through Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway occupies an important position in the QSD treatment of AD. The molecular docking results showed that the six core targets are stable in binding to the four active ingredients as indicated by the molecular docking results.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-AD effect of QSD might be related to the reconstruction of the epidermal barrier and inhibition of inflammation, which regulated the MAPK pathway. Hence, it provided a promising idea for the study of Tibetan medicine prescriptions for the treatment of AD.

The Protective Effect of a Functional Food Consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas or Its Active Component Formononetin against Inflammatory Skin Disorders through Suppression of TSLP via MDM2/HIF1α Signaling Pathways

An herbal mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas exhibits therapeutic effects on carcinomas and immunosuppression. However, the role of JRP-SNF102, which is an advanced mixture of SH003, in regulating inflammatory responses is unexplored. We aim to substantiate the therapeutic potential of JRP-SNF102 and its active component, formononetin (FMN), as a functional food that moderates inflammatory responses. The inhibitory effects of JRP-SNF102 or FMN on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels were evaluated in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187-activated human mast cell line-1 (HMC-1) cells and a mouse model of PMA-induced ear edema. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited the secretion and mRNA expression of TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the activated HMC-1 cells. The expression levels of murine double minute 2 (MDM2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and NF-κB were also suppressed by JRP-SNF102 or FMN in the activated HMC-1 cells. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited TSLP and VEGF levels, attenuating redness and ear thickness in mice with acute ear edema; JRP-SNF102 or FMN reduced the expression levels of MDM2, HIF1α, and NF-κB in the ear tissues. These findings suggest the potential for JRP-SNF102 as a functional food in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders through suppression of TSLP and VEGF.

Dissolvable Microneedle Patch Increases the Therapeutic Effect of Jawoongo on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice

BACKGROUND

Jawoongo (JW) is a topical herbal ointment that has been used as an alternative treatment option for atopic dermatitis. Topical ointments are known to have less bioavailability because the stratum corneum allows only lipophilic and low molecular weight drugs to pass across it. This study aimed to investigate whether applying microneedle patches (MNP) increases the therapeutic effect of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)+JW for atopic dermatitis by enhancing transdermal delivery.

METHODS

Atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB in BALB/c mice. The combination treatment of JW and MNP was estimated to study the effect of MNP in improving transdermal delivery. Histological analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and immunofluorescence were performed to verify the effect of MNP in enhancing the therapeutic effects of DNCB+JW on atopic dermatitis in mice.

RESULTS

Both combination treatment and DNCB+JW treatment ameliorated histological alterations and reduced skin thickness and infiltration of CD4+ T cells in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in DNCB-exposed BALB/c mice. However, the improvement of histological alterations was better in the combination treatment, which was almost normal. Furthermore, the combination treatment exhibited a larger decrease in mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, iNOS, and TNF-α, compared to DNCB+JW only. In addition, skin thickness and infiltration of CD4+ T cells in the sensitized skin were significantly lower using the combination treatment than using DNCB+JW only.

CONCLUSION

Combination treatment with JW and MNP further decreased skin thickness and several inflammatory cytokines in atopic dermatitis like skin lesions compared to treatment using JW alone. These findings suggest that applying a dissolvable MNP after JW application could be useful for treating atopic dermatitis.

Management of Atopic Dermatitis Via Oral and Topical Administration of Herbs in Murine Model: A Systematic Review

Over the past few decades, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) using herbs, or their active constituents have garnered substantial attention in the management of a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly in attenuating disease recurrence and maintaining long-term remission. In Eastern Asian countries including China, Korea and Taiwan, herbal medicine available in both topical and oral preparation plays a significant role in treating skin diseases like AD as they possibly confer high anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory functions. Conventional murine models of AD have been employed in drug discovery to provide scientific evidence for conclusive and specific pharmacological effects elicited by the use of traditional herbs and their active constituents. Coupled with the goal to develop safe and effective novel therapeutic agents for AD, this systematic review consists of a summary of 103 articles on both orally and topically administered herbs and their active constituents in the murine model, whereby articles were screened and selected via a specialized framework known as PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome). The objectives of this review paper were to identify the efficacy of oral and topical administered herbs along with their active constituents in alleviating AD and the underlying mechanism of actions, as well as the animal models and choice of inducer agents used in these studies. The main outcome on the efficacy of the majority of the herbs and their active constituents illustrated suppression of Th2 response as well as improvements in the severity of AD lesions, suppression of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration and mast cell infiltration. The majority of these studies used BALB/c mice followed by NC/Nga mice (commonly used gender–male; commonly used age group – 6–8 weeks). The most used agent in inducing AD was 2, 4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and the average induction period for both oral and topical administered herbs and their active constituents in AD experiments lasted between 3 and 4 weeks. In light of these findings, this review paper could potentially assist researchers in exploring the potential candidate herbs and their active constituents using murine model for the amelioration of AD.

Echinochrome A Treatment Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice via IL-4 and IL-13 Suppression

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which skin barrier dysfunction leads to dryness, pruritus, and erythematous lesions. AD is triggered by immune imbalance and oxidative stress. Echinochrome A (Ech A), a natural pigment isolated from sea urchins, exerts antioxidant and beneficial effects in various inflammatory disease models. In the present study, we tested whether Ech A treatment alleviated AD-like skin lesions. We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of Ech A on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like lesions in an NC/Nga mouse model. AD-like skin symptoms were induced by treatment with 1% DNCB for 1 week and 0.4% DNCB for 5 weeks in NC/Nga mice. The results showed that Ech A alleviated AD clinical symptoms, such as edema, erythema, and dryness. Treatment with Ech A induced the recovery of epidermis skin lesions as observed histologically. Tewameter^® and Corneometer^® measurements indicated that Ech A treatment reduced transepidermal water loss and improved stratum corneum hydration, respectively. Ech A treatment also inhibited inflammatory-response-induced mast cell infiltration in AD-like skin lesions and suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ, interleukin-4, and interleukin-13. Collectively, these results suggest that Ech A may be beneficial for treating AD owing to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Salvianolic Acid A Suppresses DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in BALB/c Mice

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, pruritic, and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder, is growing. Because available therapeutics is limited, immune regulators from natural resources could be helpful for treating AD symptoms. The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) has been studied for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including dermatologic disorders in Korea. This study examined the effect of salvianolic acid A on AD-like symptoms. Sensitization on the dorsal skin and repeated application on the ears with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were performed in BALB/c mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. After induction of atopic dermatitis, salvianolic acid A (5 and 10 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) were administrated via intraperitoneal injection for 3 weeks. Salvianolic acid A suppressed DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms like ear skin hypertrophy and decreased mast cell infiltration into skin lesions. Salvianolic acid A not only reduced DNCB-induced increase of serum IgE but also lowered levels of the Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), Th1 cytokine (interferon-γ), and Th17 cytokine (IL-17A). Furthermore, salvianolic acid A blocked DNCB-induced lymph node enlargement. In summary, these results suggest that salvianolic acid A might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.

Ovalicin attenuates atopic dermatitis symptoms by inhibiting IL-31 signaling and intracellular calcium influx

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder difficult to be treated with medication. This study investigated the potential of ovalicin extracted from Cordyceps militaris for the treatment of AD using in vitro and in vivo models. We found that, in canine macrophage cell line DH82, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulated the expression of genes associated with inflammation and pruritic responses through activating calcium and interleukin-31 (IL-31) signaling, and the upregulation could be suppressed by ovalicin, with an effect significantly stronger than dexamethasone. Ovalicin also reduced the expression of IL-31 downstream genes, including JAK2 (Janus kinase 2), TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1), and HRH2 (histamine receptor H2). Ovalicin significantly alleviated the allergic symptoms in the AD mouse model. Histologically, the number of macrophages and mast cells infiltrated in the dermis was significantly reduced by ovalicin treatment. In the skin tissue of AD mice, reduction of IL-31 receptor was observed in the ovalicin treated group compared to the group without ovalicin treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate the anti-atopic mechanism of ovalicin, which could be an alternative to steroidal drugs commonly used for AD treatment.

Topical creams of piperine loaded lipid nanocarriers for management of atopic dermatitis: development, characterization, and in vivo investigation using BALB/c mice model

The aim of the research work was to investigate the efficacy of cream loaded with lipid nanocarriers (ethosomes) of piperine for the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in comparison to conventional cream. Ethosomes of piperine were formulated with varying concentration of phosphatidylcholine and ethanol; and evaluated for entrapment efficiency (EE), sedimentation behaviour, vesicle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and shape. Creams loaded with optimized ethosomal dispersion of piperine were formulated and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, ex vivo permeation and drug retention in skin layers. Similarly, conventional creams of piperine in the same concentrations were formulated and evaluated. The optimized ethosomal a conventional cream was evaluated for cytotoxicity using HaCat cell lines and in vivo on BALB/c mice model. The EE (%) and vesicle size was 74.30 ± 3.88% and 318.1 nm, respectively, for optimized ethosomal dispersion. The zeta potential was -32.6 mV and vesicles were spherical in shape. The ethosomal cream showed higher deposition in the epidermis and dermis. The creams were non-cytotoxic to HaCat cell lines. In comparison to the negative control, the ethosomal (0.1%) and conventional (0.125%) cream, both significantly decreased the ear and skin thickness, skin severity; and WBC, granulocytes, and IgE antibodies level in the BALB/c mice model. The efficacy of ethosomal cream was significantly higher than conventional cream as compared to tacrolimus (0.1%). Ethosomal cream of piperine showed good potential for the management of AD in comparison to conventional cream.

Gardenia Jasminoides Ameliorates Antibiotic-Associated Aggravation of DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis by Restoring the Intestinal Microbiome Profile

The intestinal microbiome is considered one of the key regulators of health. Accordingly, the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) is mediated by the skin and intestinal microbiome environment. In this study, while evaluating the aggravation in AD symptoms by the antibiotics cocktail (ABX)-induced depletion of the intestinal microbiome, we sought to verify the effect of Gardenia jasminoides (GJ), a medicinal herb used for inflammatory diseases, on AD regarding its role on the intestinal microbiome. To verify the aggravation in AD symptoms induced by the depletion of the intestinal microbiome, we established a novel mouse model by administrating an ABX to create a microbiome-free environment in the intestine, and then applied 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to induce an AD-like skin inflammatory response. While ABX treatment aggravated AD-like symptoms, the 2-week administration of GJ improved these pathological changes. DNCB application upregulated immune cell count and serum cytokine expression, which were alleviated by GJ. Moreover, pathological alterations by antibiotics and DNCB, including histological damage of the intestine and the intestinal expression of IL-17, were recovered in GJ-treated mice. The beneficial effect of GJ was due to the restoration of the intestinal microbiome composition. Overall, we suggest GJ as a potential therapeutic agent for AD due to its regulation of the intestinal microbiome.

Ameliorative effects of sea buckthorn oil on DNCB induced atopic dermatitis model mice via regulation the balance of Th1/Th2

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a worldwide chronic skin disease which burden public health. Sea buckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae) oil, as a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for disease treatment for many years. The effects of SBT oil on AD mouse model induced by repeated administration of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in BALB/c mice was evaluated in this study.

METHODS

Mice were divided into four groups including the normal control group, AD model group, AD model group treated with SBT oil (5 ml/kg) and AD model group treated with SBT oil (10 ml/kg). Same volume at different concentrations of SBT oil was applied daily on the latter two groups by gavage for 15 days following AD model induction. The function of skin barrier and the production of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TSLP were examined after animal sacrifice. The migration and mature of langerhans cell (LCs) in lymph node was further assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

SBT oil alleviated dermatitis scores, decreased ear thickness, prevented infiltration of mast cell, reduced lymph node weight and depressed activity of Th2 cells. SBT oil also reduced the expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TSLP in ear tissue, IgE level in serum and mRNA relative expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α in lymph node. Moreover, SBT oil inhibited the migration of LCs cells from local lesions to lymph node and it's mature in lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest SBT oil had a beneficial effect either systemic or regional on DNCB-induced AD mice via maintain the balance of Th1/Th2 and may be a potential complementary candidate for AD treatment.

The formulae and biologically active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by severe pruritus that seriously affects the quality of patients' life. There is an increasingly large amount of research demonstrating that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) including herbal formulae and bioactive ingredients exerts pharmacological effects on atopic dermatitis. It has been a long history of TCM being used to treat atopic dermatitis, especially in preventing disease recurrence, maintaining long-term remission, and reducing disease burden. Nowadays, both of TCM monomer preparations and traditional formulae are still widely used. This review focuses on TCM as well as its bioactive ingredients for the treatment of AD, from the perspectives of animal model construction, pharmacodynamic mechanisms and clinical studies of formulae. To be more specific, the regulation and molecular mechanisms of the herbal formulae and bioactive ingredients of TCM are investigated, and the latest clinical research on TCM formulae is discussed. Furthermore, it provides a summary of the strengths and utilities of TCM, and will be useful for doctors who use Chinese medicine for treatment or researchers who select candidates for clinical treatments or further high-quality clinical studies.

Topical Spilanthol Inhibits MAPK Signaling and Ameliorates Allergic Inflammation in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent allergic skin disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Patients with AD may experience immune imbalance, increased levels of mast cells, immunoglobulin (Ig) E and pro-inflammatory factors (Cyclooxygenase, COX-2 and inducible NO synthase, iNOS). While spilanthol (SP) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, its effect on AD remains to be explored. To develop a new means of SP, inflammation-related symptoms of AD were alleviated, and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Histopathological analysis was used to examine mast cells and eosinophils infiltration in AD-like skin lesions. The levels of IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Western blot was used for analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and COX-2 and iNOS protein expression. Topical SP treatment reduced serum IgE and IgG2a levels and suppressed COX-2 and iNOS expression via blocked mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in DNCB-induced AD-like lesions. Histopathological examination revealed that SP reduced epidermal thickness and collagen accumulation and inhibited mast cells and eosinophils infiltration into the AD-like lesions skin. These results indicate that SP may protect against AD skin lesions through inhibited MAPK signaling pathways and may diminish the infiltration of inflammatory cells to block allergic inflammation.